Turkey Protests Arrests: Over 1,100 Detained After Erdogan Rival’s Imprisonment

Turkey Protests Arrests Spark Nationwide Demonstrations

Turkish authorities have detained more than 1,100 people following the arrest of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival, Ekrem Imamoglu, marking the most significant civil unrest Turkey has faced in years. The move has ignited Turkey protests and arrests nationwide and drawn harsh criticism from the international community.

The widespread demonstrations began in Istanbul and quickly spread to over 55 of Turkey’s 81 provinces, resulting in violent clashes with riot police. According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 1,133 people have been detained since the unrest began, including journalists and legal representatives assisting the protesters.

Ekrem Imamoglu’s Arrest Intensifies Turkey Protests Arrests

Ekrem Imamoglu, the 53-year-old popular opposition leader, was arrested last week on charges related to a graft and terror probe. In a matter of days, Imamoglu was stripped of his position as mayor of Istanbul, a role that once launched Erdogan’s own political career.

Observers suggest that Imamoglu’s growing popularity and his selection as the Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate for the 2028 presidential election triggered the government’s crackdown. Despite being imprisoned, Imamoglu was overwhelmingly voted in as the main opposition candidate, with approximately 15 million people participating in the primary.

“I wear a white shirt that you cannot stain. I have a strong arm that you cannot twist. I won’t budge an inch. I will win this war,” Imamoglu declared defiantly from jail through a statement delivered by his lawyers.

International Backlash Over Turkey Protests Arrests

The arrest of Erdogan’s rival has sparked condemnation from the international community. Germany labeled the arrest as “totally unacceptable,” while France called it a “serious attack on democracy.” The European Union urged Turkey to uphold democratic norms, warning of the consequences should Ankara fail to do so.

Greece joined the chorus of criticism, emphasizing that any efforts to undermine civil liberties “cannot be tolerated.” The wave of Turkey protests arrests has raised concerns about freedom of the press, with police detaining 10 journalists, including an AFP photographer, for covering the protests.

Student Boycotts Escalate Turkey Protests Arrests

Amid the turmoil, university students across Istanbul and Ankara have announced a boycott of lectures, further intensifying the unrest. Protesters planned multiple rallies on Monday, including a major demonstration at Besiktas port and a nighttime gathering outside City Hall, which has become the epicenter of the Turkey protests arrests.

Sunday night’s protests escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Reports from AFP correspondents on the scene detailed instances of riot police using force, including kicking and beating protestors.

Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, the imprisoned politician’s wife, denounced the crackdown on journalists, stating, “What is being done to members of the press and journalists is a matter of freedom. None of us can remain silent about this.”

Legal Defenders Targeted Amid Turkey Protests Arrests

The crackdown has also extended to legal professionals. Among those detained were two lawyers who had been defending arrested protesters in the western coastal city of Izmir, according to the local Bar Association.

Authorities are also targeting dissent online. According to the X platform (formerly Twitter), Turkish authorities attempted to shut down over 700 accounts associated with the Turkey protest arrests.

Imamoglu’s Political Future Amid Turkey Protests Arrests

Imamoglu’s arrest has only amplified his political influence. Sunday’s highly symbolic CHP primary election was opened to voters beyond the party’s 1.7 million members. Out of 15 million votes, more than 13 million came from non-party members in a resounding display of public support.

This public backing indicates Imamoglu’s potential to mount a serious challenge against Erdogan in 2028. His transformation from Istanbul mayor to the leading opposition figure has made him a powerful symbol of resistance against Erdogan’s 21-year reign.

Erdogan Faces Pressure as Turkey Protests Arrests Continue

The wave of protests and widespread arrests have placed President Erdogan under intense scrutiny both at home and abroad. Critics accuse his administration of using judicial processes to suppress political opposition and silence dissenting voices.

The international backlash, combined with sustained domestic protests, suggests that Erdogan’s grip on power may be facing its greatest challenge in years. Meanwhile, supporters of Imamoglu continue to rally around their detained leader, hoping that his resilience can spark significant political change.

As the situation in Turkey unfolds, the world watches closely, with many questioning whether Erdogan’s aggressive stance against his opponents will backfire and galvanize a new wave of opposition leadership.